Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Also known as Masrur Temples, Himalayan Pyramids, Ellora of the North
Masroor Rock-cut Temple in Kangra, HP, is an unfinished shrine carved from one rock, its sanctum holding a four-faced Shiva flanked by five other deities.
Photos of Masroor Rock-cut Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Shiva
- Established
- 8th century CE (c. 700–750 CE)
- Architecture
- Nagara monolithic rock-cut architecture, carved from a single sandstone outcrop
- Address
- Masroor, Lahalpur, Himachal Pradesh 176026
- Timings
- 09:00–17:00 daily
History of Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Unknown to modern scholarship until Henry Shuttleworth documented it in 1913, with an official ASI survey following in 1915. The 1905 Kangra earthquake had already cracked and toppled parts of its mandapas and upper spires before formal study began, though the monolithic construction kept the core structure standing. It remains a centrally protected ASI monument and is on India's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
How to Reach Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~40–45 km. Nearest railhead: Nagrota Surian, on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge line. ~35 km from Kangra town via the Kangra–Nagrota Surian road.
Frequently Asked Questions about Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Where is Masroor Rock-cut Temple located?
- Masroor Rock-cut Temple is located at Masroor, Lahalpur, Himachal Pradesh 176026, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Masroor Rock-cut Temple?
- The presiding deity at Masroor Rock-cut Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Masroor Rock-cut Temple?
- Masroor Rock-cut Temple is generally open 09:00–17:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Masroor Rock-cut Temple built?
- Masroor Rock-cut Temple was established 8th century CE (c. 700–750 CE). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Masroor Rock-cut Temple?
- Masroor Rock-cut Temple is built in the Nagara monolithic rock-cut architecture, carved from a single sandstone outcrop style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
How can I reach Masroor Rock-cut Temple?
- Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~40–45 km. Nearest railhead: Nagrota Surian, on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge line. ~35 km from Kangra town via the Kangra–Nagrota Surian road.
Why is Masroor Rock-cut Temple significant?
- Masroor Rock-cut Temple in Kangra, HP, is an unfinished shrine carved from one rock, its sanctum holding a four-faced Shiva flanked by five other deities.
Is there an entry fee at Masroor Rock-cut Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Masroor Rock-cut Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Masroor Rock-cut Temple?
- Masroor Rock-cut Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.